The End Justifies the Means

Chapter 16 - Ends Justify Means

It took three more days of Justin disappearing for hours on end to finish his painting. He wanted to be able to present it to Brian when the time was just right. It was obvious that Brian was beginning to wonder about Justin’s vanishing act but he knew that he had to trust him.

Their discussion last night had been as close to mysterious as they ever get. When Brian returned earlier than expected from work he found Justin exiting the shower.

“Sunshine, what’s with all the showers? And you seem to be coming home either the same time as me or just after me. Is there anything you’d like to tell me?”

“No, not really, I’m just working on a project.”

“A project? Have you been borrowing your mom’s car and heading out to the house to fix it up or have you been looking for local studio space?”

“Something like that. Sometimes I’m just at Michael’s new store unpacking new deliveries. What’s with all the questions, don’t you trust me?”

“Of course I trust you, but you have to admit that whenever you talk about working on a project I’ve always been the one who’s come up with the short straw. I’ve certainly contributed to those events but I’ve become a bit leery of the phrase.”

Justin laughed at first and then the memories flooded back. He’d worked on so many projects since those earlier times that he had forgotten when he’d used the phrase to put off Brian in the past.

He approached Brian, clad in just a towel wrapped around his waist, and started helping him remove his coat, jacket and tie, amongst other unnecessary garments, “I can promise you without the shadow of a doubt that I am NOT and never will be seeing anyone behind your back AND I can also promise you that I am NOT creating agit prop art posters that will ultimately lead you to losing Kinnetik. Do you trust me?”

“I trust you with my life Sunshine. And that’s a very tall order.”

“It definitely is the tallest of orders,” Justin smirked has he rubbed Brian’s cock for emphasis. Somehow at this point Brian felt assured that there would be nothing to worry about and Justin would reveal his project in his own time. In the meantime there had been much more important things to think about and act on, so Brian took matters into his own hands and finished taking off his own clothes and helped Justin shed his towel as they both made their way to the bedroom. While the floor and the futon were fun from time to time, at 35 years of age, Brian was much more comfortable spending long, hard nights in their bed.

‘Their bed’…it had a nice ring to it. And that was the last coherent thought for the night as the events of the evening turned much more energetic and life-affirming.

 

*~*~*~*~*
 

Today was a very important day for everyone, but particularly for the Novotny-Bruckner clan. Ben was finally going to be released from the hospital. He’d started giving the doctors and nurses a very hard time (and not in a positive, life-affirming way) for the past two days and it was obvious that he was well on the way to a complete recovery.

There were no longer any signs of the pneumonia and the cough that had been virtually disabling, and his new combination of HIV meds seemed to have begun to balance out his system to a level that his doctor was quite pleased with. A couple of more weeks and he’d be cleared to return to work. Ben was only angry that the doctor felt the need to wait so long before he could resume teaching. The doctor cautioned that he wanted one more follow-up x-ray and another complete blood testing order to insure that all systems were go.

Ben acquiesced and the doctor finally agreed to let him go home to finish his recuperation. Michael was over the moon and Hunter was relieved to know that both his dads would be around for a long time. Although he’d never say it out loud, each success that Ben achieved in his fight to survive and live to the fullest, was one that Hunter knew he could fight to, if and when the time came. Although he didn’t dwell on his HIV status it was something he thought about every day, and seeing Ben so sick escalated his fear for his own longevity as well as Ben’s.

Brian and Justin drove to Michael and Ben’s house early in the morning to bring groceries and make sure everything was in order for the family’s imminent arrival. They had volunteered to do this ‘menial task’, as Brian had put it, to avoid the mob scene that was assuredly going to be taking place at the hospital.

Hunter insisted on staying home from school to help bring Ben home and Debbie wouldn’t be stopped. So as not to make everyone crowd into one small car, Carl joined Debbie so they would drive separately and give Michael, Ben and Hunter a few moments of peace and quiet before they reached home.

Lindsay insisted on cooking dinner for them that night and would bring Gus over with his wide array of dvd’s and toys to keep him occupied. Michael had requested Brian and Justin be there since he felt he owed them so much for helping him wake up and see the serious condition Ben was in. He knew if Brian hadn’t pushed Ben, and himself, to confront the truth that Ben might not be there.

Brian, of course, denied having that big an impact and shrugged it off but said that with Gus around he would at least have someone to talk to who would be worth spending the evening with. Justin laughed and added that he’d bring by the boards for the next Rage issue. He’d been working hard on them, and was pleased with the results. He was definitely feeling quite inspired during the last week.

Ted and Emmett both bowed out of the fray and decided to take over the care and feeding of the Novotny-Bruckners the next day.

Melanie had been contacted by phone and had supported Michael by letting him spend time chatting with Jenny Rebecca. Although the conversations were clearly one-sided, Michael always seemed to feel better after them. During one of the more recent conversations, when it was clear that the crisis was behind them, Melanie confessed to Michael the status of her relationship with Lindsay and that it was truly over.

Michael was shocked, hurt and concerned but appreciated being informed…this time. Melanie told him that the one thing she and Lindsay both could agree on was that they belonged back in Pittsburgh where they could raise the children together, in as much of a sibling relationship as they could. Separating JR and Gus was not an option and one that both mothers realized was important to respect.

Michael told Melanie that he wouldn’t give her a hard time about custody of JR this time and that he’d be happy visiting her more frequently and would help with financial support once his new store was off the ground. While there were still many questions in the air, it was clear that Michael was feeling much more optimistic.

Justin had just finished putting away the last of the perishables when a thought occurred to him, “Brian.”

“Yes, dear,” Brian deadpanned.

Justin tilted his head and smiled. “The announcement of our wedding and reception; if we can pull this off without anyone else figuring it out, well…”

“Well...Sunshine, I’ve never known you to be tongue-tied. Out with it.”

“I was just thinking that the family may actually get mad at us.”

“For what?”

“The timing, and waiting so long to tell them, and NOT having them witness the event.”

Brian looked at Justin and saw the concern, confusion and burgeoning regret. He held Justin and ran his hand through Justin’s soft hair. God, that was a grounding feeling. It was almost like touching Justin gave him some kind of added strength. He smiled wondering if that was another super-power component that Michael and Justin could add to Rage.

“Look Justin, we did what we wanted. We got married our way and that’s what’s important isn’t it? Or are you regretting the decision we made?”

“No,” Justin immediately answered back. “I don’t regret anything.”

“Your mother would have been the one to feel the loss of not seeing her baby boy married the most, and look at how well she took the news. You would have thought we’d just handed her the winning Power Ball ticket.”

“I guess you’re right. But doesn’t it concern you at all how Debbie and Michael will react?”

“Not in the least. If both of them really love us, as they’ve professed time and again, then they’ll be as happy as your mom.”

“Okay, but what about the timing?”

“Mikey and I have shared so much. I think in his quirky little brain he’ll be honored rather than offended.”

“If you say so. I just want our life to start out on the right foot.”

Brian tilted Justin’s chin up and kissed him deeply. The two continued to kiss for a couple of lovely and passionate minutes. “I thought we already did start out on the right foot.” Brian smiled.

“Oh yeah, we sure as hell did,” and Justin pulled Brian down for a little more tongue exploration.

“After the past few days, I definitely think hell is our destination – at least according to my mother’s version of the world.”

“As long as we’re in hell together I don’t give a shit where we end up. And fuck your mother and her distorted viewpoint.”

“I’d rather not.” Justin smacked Brian in the chest.

“And fuck my father and his distorted and bigoted views, hell, they can go fuck each other for all I care.”

“Sunshine, that’s a grotesque image.”

“Well, fuck ‘em all.”

“Okay, Justin, fuck ‘em all. We move forward how we want with no doubts or regrets?”

“You bet.”

“You’re betting on something, I want in on it,” Hunter announced as he walked in carrying three of the plants that Ben had received in the hospital.

“What the fuck is that,” Brian asked, looking at Hunter’s bundles.

“These are plants.”

“I know what the fuck they are, but why did you bring them home. You could have given them to the nurses or some other patients.”

Ben responded, “If people thought enough to send these to me, I want to care for them myself and not just leave them behind. Each one comes with a special thought from a special friend or family member.”

“Ah, the good Professor is definitely back.”

“Thank you, Brian, I’ll take that as a compliment, whether it was meant as one or not.” Brian chuckled and moved on to help Michael bring in the rest of Ben’s accumulated hospital belongings while Justin helped Ben get settled on the living room sofa.

“What are you doing there?” Michael asked.

“Michael, I’ve spent way too much time in bed. While I know I still have to recuperate there’s certainly nothing wrong with doing it in the presence of my friends. I promise to behave but I just can’t spend another day in an actual bed.”

“Okay, as long as you keep your promise.” Michael shrugged.

“Michael, I know that when I was sick I wasn’t completely honest with you. When I’m out of my right mind I seem to behave way out of character, and I’m truly sorry for that. I realize now that I should have been up front with you from the start, despite the situation with your store. My illness and my lack of common sense, ultimately, added to your stress and I should have seen that, but I wasn’t seeing clearly.”

“Thank you for that Ben. Brian may think apologies are bullshit, but I appreciate genuine ones. And with all the changes he’s been through, I bet he even feels the same way.”

“I probably should apologize to him, too. I put him in a very precarious situation between you and me and then blamed him for breaking my confidence.”

“He really didn’t think that he did. Brian, and Justin too, were really there for me when I needed them through everything.”

“And we’re stuck here, again, Mikey.” Brian announced as he and Justin came in with bottles of water and a tray full of light snacks.

“You know, Brian, now that I think about it, you’re really good at getting everyone in order to create amazing events. I hope this means that you’ll be at the Grand Opening of All The Rage.”

“Oh, I definitely plan to be there Michael. I wouldn’t miss it for the world. I love watching you play with all your toys.” Brian raised his eyebrow and smirked.

“Hey, I’m the only one who watches him play with his toys!” Ben chimed in.

“Professor, he’s all yours.”

Michael continued, “Justin, is everything really in order at the new store? I’ve only gotten there once or twice in the past week but it looks like you have everything under control…including organizing the back storage room.” Michael winked at Justin.

“Uhmmm, yeah, everything’s all set.” Justin looked directly at Michael and mouthed, “Thank you,” silently.

“I just regret not being more of a part of the actual assembly of my own place.” Michael said in a faraway voice.

“You know, Michael, practically everyone in this family has committed to stopping by here all day and all night for the next week to take care of us. I don’t see why you can’t get more involved with Emmett in setting up the Grand Opening and putting your own personal finishing touches on YOUR store.”

“I think that’s a great idea, Ben,” Justin added. “I’m sure Emmett could use some guidance on the comic book-Rage theme that he’s been working on and you ARE the expert.”

“I am, aren’t I,” Michael declared proudly. “It’s about time I made that store my own. Ben, if you’re sure you don’t mind, whenever someone is visiting I may just take off, even if it’s just Hunter that’s with you.”

“Hey, what’s this ‘just Hunter’ bullshit. I can take care of Ben.”

“You know it partner. See Michael, I’ll be in good hands when Hunter comes home from school each day.”

“It’ll be great working on calculus with you again. It’s one thing to have a teacher for a parent, but working with an accountant…well, it took all my willpower not to fall asleep when Ted was tutoring me.”

That got a laugh from everyone and the biggest from Brian.

Michael excused himself to call Emmett and start to discuss, in earnest, the details of the grand opening party. He was newly energized by the encouragement of his friends and family and realized this was just what he needed to connect to his new place. The previous store had always been Red Cape Comics, formerly known as Buzzy’s. But now, this store, was all his. The previous owner was gone and it had not been a comic shop before this. Although money would be tight for a while, Michael knew that somehow this was his chance of a lifetime and it was because of the contributions of all his friends and family.

Hell, if he thought about it, everyone, including Jennifer Taylor, had a hand in setting up the store. On top of everything his little Honeybun was coming home. Michael couldn’t remember the last time he was that happy. Although he was sad that Mel and Linds couldn’t seem to make their relationship work, it had been obvious for a few years that their partnership was in trouble. If everyone was really honest, they had been having trouble ever since Gus was born, and their troubles never stopped, they just took breaks.

Let’s face it, having Jenny Rebecca certainly didn’t do anything to improve their home life, and when they finally thought they could make a go of it in a different environment all together, the disaster continued. Pittsburgh and family was never their problem. They had just grown apart and wanted different things. It wasn’t even that Lindsay sometimes toyed with her hetero side, but that the two had become so different. Even their kids couldn’t keep them connected.

As Michael dialed the phone, he noticed himself in the mirror. He looked tired and bit haggard from the past couple of weeks, but he had a genuine smile on his face.

When the phone picked up he said, “Hey, Em, how about we plan the grand opening bash of the century?”

A big, “Yay!” came through loud and clear from the other end.

 

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